No-dig gardening has become one of the most popular approaches for home growers, combining soil health, reduced labor, and long-term productivity. By layering organic matter on top of the soil instead of tilling, no-dig beds create a living ecosystem where soil organisms do the work of building fertility and structure. Pairing this method with companion planting takes the system a step further, allowing you to manage pests, maximize space, and support biodiversity without disturbing the soil. Together, no-dig and companion planting form a natural, sustainable partnership that produces healthier crops with less effort.
Why No-Dig and Companions Work Well Together
The no-dig method protects soil structure, retains moisture, and encourages beneficial organisms like earthworms and fungi. Companion planting, meanwhile, uses natural plant pairings to deter pests, attract pollinators, and balance nutrients. Because no-dig avoids soil disruption, companion plants thrive in stable conditions, and their natural interactions build on the soil biology already at work.
In short, no-dig creates the foundation, and companion planting builds resilience on top of it.
Benefits of Companion Planting in No-Dig Beds
- Pest reduction: Aromatic herbs and flowers deter pests without chemical sprays.
- Soil improvement: Nitrogen-fixing companions enrich the soil without the need for digging.
- Efficient space use: Combining crops with different root depths or growth patterns maximizes yield in layered no-dig beds.
- Biodiversity boost: Flowers and herbs increase pollinator and predator activity, strengthening the no-dig ecosystem.
- Moisture management: Groundcover companions help retain water in the mulch layers of no-dig systems.
Best Companions for No-Dig Beds
Tomatoes
- Good Companions: Basil (repels whiteflies), marigolds (nematode deterrent), and borage (attracts pollinators).
- Why They Work: All thrive in mulched, moisture-holding no-dig beds and help reduce tomato pests.
Carrots
- Good Companions: Onions, leeks, and rosemary.
- Why They Work: Strong scents mask carrot odors, confusing carrot flies, while the no-dig soil layers stay loose for roots.
Brassicas (Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli)
- Good Companions: Dill, nasturtiums, and thyme.
- Why They Work: Dill attracts predatory insects, nasturtiums lure aphids, and thyme repels flea beetles, all thriving without soil disturbance.
Potatoes
- Good Companions: Beans, horseradish, and calendula.
- Why They Work: Beans fix nitrogen in heavy-feeding potato beds, while calendula draws beneficial insects. Potatoes grow well under mulch, a hallmark of no-dig gardening.
Lettuce and Leafy Greens
- Good Companions: Chives, garlic, and mint (in containers nearby).
- Why They Work: These aromatic plants deter aphids and slugs, common pests in damp mulch conditions.
Squash and Cucumbers
- Good Companions: Nasturtiums, radishes, and sunflowers.
- Why They Work: Nasturtiums repel cucumber beetles, radishes distract pests, and sunflowers offer vertical structure in a layered no-dig bed.
Companion Planting Design in No-Dig Beds
- Layer Your Bed First
Start with compost, mulch, and organic matter. The fertile top layers support both main crops and companions. - Mix Root Depths
Pair deep-rooted crops like carrots with shallow leafy greens. The undisturbed soil structure allows both to flourish without competition. - Use Edges Wisely
Plant herbs like thyme, oregano, or marigolds along bed borders. They frame the no-dig bed and provide continuous pest defense. - Interplant Flowers
Calendula, borage, and chamomile scattered among vegetables add beauty and strengthen pest control. - Rotate Families
Even in no-dig systems, rotation prevents pest buildup. Keep brassicas, legumes, roots, and fruiting crops moving each season.
Example No-Dig Companion Layout
- Back Row: Tomatoes with basil and marigolds.
- Middle Rows: Cabbage and kale interplanted with dill and nasturtiums.
- Front Rows: Carrots with onions, and lettuce with chives.
- Edges: Calendula and thyme to attract pollinators and provide pest control.
This layout balances nutrient use, reduces pest pressure, and makes the most of no-dig fertility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: No-dig beds are fertile, but planting too densely reduces airflow and encourages disease.
- Ignoring rotation: Even with mulch and organic layers, planting the same crops in the same spot invites pests.
- Relying on one companion: Diversity is key. A mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables works better than a single companion.
- Neglecting maintenance: Companions still need pruning, harvesting, or replanting to stay effective.
FAQs
Q: Do no-dig beds need fewer companions than traditional beds?
A: No. Companions are just as valuable in no-dig beds, offering pest control and pollinator support that complement the soil-friendly approach.
Q: Can I plant perennials in no-dig beds with annual companions?
A: Yes. Herbs like chives, thyme, and oregano work well as long-term companions alongside rotating annual vegetables.
Q: How do I manage slugs in no-dig systems?
A: Aromatic companions like chives and mint help deter slugs, while planting flowers like calendula attracts predators such as ground beetles.
Q: Is it necessary to reapply mulch around companions?
A: Yes. Refresh mulch annually to maintain soil health and keep conditions favorable for both crops and companions.
Q: Which companions thrive best in heavily mulched no-dig beds?
A: Herbs (basil, thyme), flowers (calendula, nasturtium), and shallow-rooted greens like lettuce adapt well to mulch layers.